We have compiled a compilation of the most iconic bridges in Ireland that everyone should see and experience.
Ireland is home to a vast range of different bridges built throughout the ages.
From old stone bridges found among forests to modern city centre bridges allowing pedestrians and vehicles to cross Ireland’s rivers with ease.
Today, we are ranking the 12 most iconic bridges in Ireland you need to visit.
12. The Abbey Mill Bridge, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal – Ireland’s oldest bridge
Claimed to be the oldest bridge in Ireland, and nobody would deny that.
This classic bridge blends in with the beautiful surroundings, making it one of the most iconic bridges in Ireland.
Address: Abbey Island, Co. Donegal, Ireland
11. O’Connell Bridge, Co. Dublin – a recognisable piece of Dublin City
Everyone who has been to Dublin has probably seen this bridge. It is located in central Dublin and is close to all the main attractions.
Address: North City, Dublin 1, Ireland
10. Mary McAleese Boyne Valley Bridge, Co. Meath – a staple on the drive to Dublin
Anyone driving south to Dublin from the northern counties will probably have crossed this.
It is a beautifully modern bridge and is an iconic connection between the north and south of Ireland.
Address: Oldbridge, Co. Meath, Ireland
9. Boyne Viaduct, Co. Louth – a piece of modern engineering
The Boyne Viaduct is a 98 ft (30 m) high railway bridge, or viaduct, that crosses the River Boyne in Drogheda, carrying the main Dublin–Belfast railway line.
It was the seventh bridge of its kind in the world when built and considered one of the wonders of the age.
Irish civil engineer Sir John MacNeill designed the viaduct; construction began on the bridge in 1853 and was completed in 1855.
Address: River Boyne, Ireland
8. Butt Bridge, Co. Dublin – one of the most famous bridges in Dublin
The Butt Bridge (Irish: Droichead Bhutt) is a road bridge in Dublin, Ireland, which spans the River Liffey and joins George’s Quay to Beresford Place and the north quays at Liberty Hall.
The original bridge on this site was a structural steel swivel bridge, opened in 1879 and named for Isaac Butt, leader of the Home Rule movement (who died that year).
Address: R802, North City, Dublin, Ireland
7. St Patrick’s Bridge, Co. Cork – almost 250 years old
The first Saint Patrick’s Bridge in Ireland was opened on 29 September 1789. This first bridge incorporated a portcullis to regulate ship traffic underneath the bridge.
Address: St Patrick’s Bridge, Centre, Cork, Ireland
6. Queen’s Bridge, Co. Antrim – one of the most iconic bridges in Ireland
Queen’s Bridge is a bridge in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is one of eight bridges in the city, not to be confused with the adjacent Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. It was opened in 1849.
Address: Queen’s Bridge, A2, Belfast BT1 3BF
5. Stone Bridge, Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry – located in one of the most scenic corners of Ireland
Found in the stunning surroundings of Killarney National Park, no words are needed to describe this bridge other than it is beautiful.
Address: Co. Kerry, Ireland
4. The Pedestrian Living Bridge, Co. Limerick – a recent addition to our list
The longest pedestrian bridge in Ireland, the Pedestrian Living Bridge, was designed to create an organic relationship with the environment.
The Living Bridge extends between the north and south banks from the Millstream Courtyard to the Health Sciences Building. It was completed in 2007.
Address: Unnamed Road, Co. Limerick, Ireland
3. Peace Bridge, Co. Derry – a symbol of peace
The Peace Bridge is a cycle and footbridge bridge across the River Foyle in Derry. It opened on 25 June 2011, connecting Ebrington Square with the rest of the city centre.
It is the newest of three bridges in the city, the others being the Craigavon Bridge and the Foyle Bridge.
The 771 ft (235 m) long bridge was designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects, who also designed the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
Address: Derry BT48 7NN
2. Ha’Penny Bridge, Co. Dublin – one of the most photographed bridges in Ireland
This is not only one of the most iconic bridges in Ireland but also one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks.
The Ha’penny Bridge, known later for a time as the Penny Ha’penny Bridge and officially the Liffey Bridge, is a pedestrian bridge built in 1816 over the River Liffey in Dublin.
Made of cast iron, the bridge was cast at Coalbrookdale in Shropshire, England.
Address: Bachelors Walk, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
1. Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, Co. Antrim – a different style of bridge
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a famous rope bridge near Ballintoy in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
The bridge links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede (from Irish: Carraig a’ Ráid, meaning “rock of the casting”).
It spans 66 ft (20 m) and is 98 ft (30 m) above the rocks below. The bridge is mainly a tourist attraction and is owned and maintained by the National Trust.
In 2009 it had 247,000 visitors. The bridge is open all year round (subject to weather), and people may cross it for a fee.
Address: Bachelors Walk, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
